Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Kirkstall Abbey

Creative Tourist
Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds

Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey near Leeds is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. The gothic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and are surrounded by a wide stretch of beautiful parkland on the bank of the River Aire (perfect for picnics). The visitor centre features a series of interactive exhibits that illustrate the history of the abbey and the lives of the monks that lived there.

Head over between 12pm and 3pm on the last weekend of the month (March to November) to catch the abbey’s local market, featuring over 40 unique stalls selling hand-made crafts and local produce from across Yorkshire.

Also check out Abbey House Museum whilst you’re there!

Abbey RoadLeedsLS5 3EH View map
Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Kirkstall Abbey

Luke Samuel Yates
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners are Helen Ivory and Luke Samuel Yates.

free entry
See all events

Where to go near Kirkstall Abbey

Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds
Leeds
Museum
Abbey House Museum

If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience.

Sebby's Deli
Leeds
Restaurant
Sebby’s Deli

Sebby’s Deli is a small friendly cafe set on Otley Road, Leeds, and specialising in homemade cakes and tailored sandwiches.

Village Hotel Leeds North
Leeds
Hotel
Village Hotel Leeds North

Laid-back hotel based in a quiet village just outside Leeds. Ideal for a relaxing stay with the family, away from the hustle and bustle of Leeds city centre.

Headingley Lodge
Leeds
Headingley Lodge

Headingley Lodge is a neat, no-frills hotel in which every room boasts a view of Headingley cricket stadium.

Leeds
Gallery
Bowery

A welcoming space to create and be inspired, the Bowery provides a home for West Yorkshire’s artistic community.

Leeds
Cinema
Cottage Road Cinema

Located in Headingley, Cottage Road Cinema is the oldest remaining cinema in continuous use in Leeds.

Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre
Leeds
Event venue
Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre

Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (commonly abbreviated as HEART) offers a varied programme of music, films, performance, literature and talks, as well as hosting Assembly Bar + Kitchen.

Leeds
Hotel
Weetwood Hall Estate

Weetwood Hall Estate is 17th century manor house that has been repurposed into a modern luxury hotel.

Leeds
HEART

HEART is aptly named as the central hub for community, arts and culture in Headingly. Check out their menu and events.

Leeds
Restaurant
Tada, Leeds

The authentic Japanese cuisine of Tada brings delicious sushi, ramen, yakitori and bespoke cocktails to the heart of Leeds, in the form of their ‘casual yet elegant’ establishment.

Leeds
Restaurant
Greasy Pig

Greasy Pig is an upbeat, colourful café with a range of wild and wonderful menu offerings like cheese-topped savoury pancakes or tasty veggie feasts.

See all places

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

portrait of Lorsung in a dark shirt with dark hair and dark round glasses
Literature Events in the North

We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Three men sit next to each other. One's head is bandaged, one holds a torch and one wears a sleepmask.
Cinema in the North

Live scores, midnight movies and the latest from Wes Anderson are just some of our upcoming film highlights.